Academic integrity and generative artificial intelligence –views and perceptions of students in an Irish university

The development of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT have transformed the academic landscape, offering learning opportunities while raising significant challenges regarding academic integrity. This study explores student perceptions and behaviours concerning academic integrity and the use of GenAI in the context of an Irish University, specifically MTU. It draws insights from a comprehensive survey of 608 students across various faculties and academic stages. Key findings reveal diverse views on the ethical use of GenAI, gaps in awareness of institutional integrity policies and a preference for institutional mechanisms to report misconduct while highlighting unwillingness to report it directly. The research highlights uncertainty regarding GenAI use among students, a pressing need for clear policy guidance, targeted integrity education, and structured support for ethical engagement with GenAI in higher education.